While it was Matt Erolon who delivered the game-winner in overtime, Monty Montebon made sure Adamson got there — paving the way for the Soaring Falcons’ fourth straight victory in UAAP Season 88 at UST’s expense.
While it was Matt Erolon who delivered the game-winner in overtime, it was Monty Montebon who made sure Adamson even got there.
Montebon had his fair share of heroics, draining the game-tying triple with five seconds left to force overtime, where the Soaring Falcons then completed an improbable 97-96 comeback against UST in a wild second-round battle in UAAP Season 88.
That three capped a trifecta of triples that Montebon sank in the final 78 seconds of regulation, helping Adamson erase an earlier 10-point deficit.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Matt Erolon sinks game-winning triple as Adamson frustrates UST in OT to enter Final Four picture]
Overall, Montebon finished with 19 points built on five triples, along with seven assists and four rebounds in 25 minutes to earn the Player of the Game honors.
Reyland Torres topscored for Adamson with 20 points, 18 of which came in the second half, while Manzano chipped in 19 in a balanced team effort.
“They just played in the moment and focused on the possession in front of them, and I guess that gave us the victory,” Adamson head coach Nash Racela said in the post-game presser.
Monty's shining moment
Down 88-85, Adamson needed a miracle to stay alive.
The ball then found its way onto Montebon’s hands after a John Medina extra pass—and the Fil-Am didn’t hesitate.
“We were down, so I knew with not much time left, if I had the shot, I had to take it. I had the opportunity and space to shoot, so I just did it with confidence,” Montebon said.
Matt Montebon celebrates during Adamson's win against UST in the UAAP men's basketball | Photo: The UAAP
The gritty win marked Adamson’s first four-game winning streak in three years, solidifying its place in the Final Four race.
Though both Adamson and UST now share identical 5-4 records, the San Marcelino-based squad owns the tiebreaker after sweeping its elimination-round head-to-head against the Growling Tigers.
Adamson looks to keep its momentum going when it faces the FEU Tamaraws on Sunday, Nov. 2, as the Falcons aim for their fifth consecutive win in UAAP Season 88.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.